West of Centre

As I write this latest blog, the world is learning of the passing of the comedy genius of Ronnie Corbett. He was famously one half of the Two Ronnies often playing the straight guy to the comic genius of Ronnie Barker. That is how it often goes in the world of entertainment; the collaboration of two talents in which one gets more than it's fair share of adulation and attention. So too it was with Ronnie Lane but what a story there is to tell. Tomorrow is April 1st and appropriately enough, this icon of English whimsy would have turned 70 but fate dealt him a rotten hand. So who exactly was Ronnie Lane you may ask? Well, if you lived through the ground breaking music of the mid sixties through to the late seventies, you will probably be familiar with lots of songs which wouldn't have even existed but for Ronnie. He was one of the founding members of a group whose brief time together has influenced Led Zepellin, Oasis, the Jam and Blur to name but a very few. The Small Faces ...

Have you ever heard the expression "Parity of esteem"? If so, you might still want to read on. If not, you really should read on if only because you will be hearing rather more of this budding sound-bite. Before I move on to parity of esteem in the context of healthcare, it is better to start with the origins of the expression. In sociological terms, "Parity of esteem" broadly equates to equality of opportunity. One of the earliest origins of the expression was in 1964 when the newly elected Labour Government of Harold Wilson elected to ditch the 11 plus exam. It was felt that introducing a comprehensive secondary education for all would bring greater parity of esteem. In other words, the new comprehensive education would promote greater equality of opportunity for school children up and down the United Kingdom. But what of it's use since then? It is interesting to note that "Parity of esteem" as a concept underpinned the peace processes in both So...

A cursory glance at the world around me reminds me that tribal tendencies are as vibrant as ever. From many angles, the world appears more at odds with itself than ever before. But perhaps this perspective is just a variation on an age old theme? I woke this morning to learn that Nicola Sturgeon intends to present a revised case for Scottish independence. Although not surprising given the name of the political party which she leads, it is surprising in many other ways. Having wiped the Labour party off the map North of the border in last year's general election, she has been ideally placed ever since to mount another challenge for Scottish independence. But why? At the same time, the UK is presented with an opportunity to have a say on membership of the European Union; the first since our grandparents in 1975. Already, the "In" group and the "Out" group are hurling insults at one another and tribal lines have been drawn not by individuals but rather by other...